“Board adopts local option approved by Town Meeting to extend operating hours for Section 12 license holders”
The Select Board voted unanimously to expand Sunday and holiday alcohol sales hours for businesses holding Section 12 licenses, adopting a local option authorized by voters at the November 2025 Town Meeting.
During a public hearing last week, Town Manager Jayne Wellman and Economic Development Director Kevin McCarthy presented a proposed amendment allowing establishments with Section 12 licenses to begin alcohol sales at 10 a.m. on Sundays and certain holidays rather than noon.
The change follows approval of a warrant article at the November 2025 Town Meeting, which granted the Select Board authority to adopt the expanded hours through a local vote. Under state law, municipalities may choose to permit earlier Sunday and holiday alcohol sales, but local approval is required before the change can take effect.
Board members expressed support for the proposal, noting that many neighboring communities have already adopted similar hours and that the change could benefit local restaurants and other licensed establishments.
During board discussion, Board Member Christopher Haley described the proposal as a positive change for the local business community.
It’s just one of those things that we can do that just seems like a no-brainer to maybe strum up some additional business,” Haley said. “I think it’s just a win-win, especially with other communities already doing it.”
Haley also contrasted the proposal with previous regulatory changes that some business owners viewed as restrictive.
It’s good to see that this change moves in the right direction as opposed to other bylaws that typically look to restrict small businesses in Reading. This is doing the opposite. So it’s good to see this for a change,” he said.
Officials noted that the change will automatically apply to eligible license holders and will not require businesses to submit additional applications or pay new fees. Amended licenses will be issued by the Town following the vote.
After closing the public hearing, the Select Board voted 5–0 to amend both its licensing policy and the affected Section 12 liquor licenses, allowing alcohol sales between 10 a.m. and noon on Sundays and certain holidays as authorized under Massachusetts law.
Town officials said the measure is intended to provide greater flexibility for local businesses while bringing Reading’s regulations in line with many surrounding communities. The new hours take effect immediately following the Board’s adoption of the change.
